Matt Henry enlisted his name in the best bowling figures history by a New Zealand bowler after scalping 7 wickets in New Zealand vs South Africa on Day 1 in Christchurch. Henry made it devastating for the South African batting line-up and bowled them out for 95 runs on the second session on Day 1 itself.

Read also: "It was very hard to make someone like Shreyas Iyer sit out": Rohit Sharma

He finished with an unbelievable figure of 15-7-23-7 and made the record of 3rd best bowling figure in the test history for New Zealand while playing his first test in 8 months. In simpler words, Henry created havoc worked on the green top and the Hagley Oval and bowled out the Proteas to their lowest score against the Kiwi.

Henry made sure to bowl out the best batters of South Africa and took the advantage of the brittle line-up and dismantled them quickly. The Kiwi Pacerman started the morning session with intensifying momentum. In between, he also scalped the wicket of the skipper Dean Elgar Kyle Jamieson trashed out Elgar's opening partner, the debutant Sarel Erwee. Matt moved further into South Africa's top-order and played with the same intensity even post-lunch.

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"Great to do it in front of my home fans, friends, and family": Matt Henry

Matt picked up the wickets of Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, Zubayr Hamza, Kyle Verreynne, Kagiso Rabada, and Glenton Stuurman in the New Zealand vs South Africa test. Any team bowled out South Africa for less than 100 runs in the first innings of a test match for the first time after 1932.

Henry said during the innings break, "Great to do it in front of my home fans, friends, and family. It's not always going to go in your favor when you play the odd game here and there. When you woke up and saw the overheads here at Hagley, you'd hope you're bowling first."

In the high-stakes match of WTC final, every run saved and every wicket taken matters. This article will provide you with some extraordinary spells of bowlers around the world that made a big impact for their respective teams.

These figures define the epitome of world-class bowling performances in WTC finals. Get ready to dive into the best figures in ICC WTC Final.

1. Pat Cummins (6/28) vs SA, Lord's, 2025

The Australian Captain, Pat Cummins dismantled South Africa's batting line-up in their first innings of WTC 2025 Final, taking 6 wickets for just 28 runs. After getting bowled out for 212 while batting first, his spell restricted SA to only 138, providing them a 74-run lead.

His exceptional spell included dismissals of batters like Temba Bavuma, David Bendingham, and others. He also became the Australian captain with most 5-wicket hauls in Tests, and holds the 2nd place overall.

This performance bounds us to ask: Is Pat Cummins the greatest test bowling captain of this generation?

Read Also: Most 5-wicket hauls by a captain in Tests

2. Kyle Jamieson (5/31) vs IND, Southampton, 2021

The tall New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson was phenomenal in their inaugural WTC win against India in 2021. He exploited the English conditions perfectly and took 5 wickets for 31 runs, which included the dismissal of India's test legend, Virat Kohli.

Jamieson was also awarded Player of the Match in the final, which explains how crucial his performance was for their victory.

3. Kagiso Rabada (5/51) vs AUS, Lord's, 2025

The WTC 2025 Final saw another bowling brilliance from South African pacer Kagiso Rabada this time, who stands at the 3rd place with his 5 wickets for 51 runs against Australia.

Rabada marked his comeback for SA with vital dismissals of Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green in quick succession with his fiery deliveries.

4. Nathan Lyon (4/41) vs IND, The Oval, 2023

Australia's veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon played a crucial role in the second innings of the WTC 2023 Final. He used the assistance of the pitch and cleaned up India's lower order, including the decisive final wicket that sealed the victory.

He took 4 wickets for 41 runs with an economy of 2.64.

Read Also: Rabada passes Donald: Most Test wickets for South Africa

5. Tim Southee (4/48) vs IND, Southampton, 2021

New Zealand's swing maestro Tim Southee provided crucial breakthroughs in India's second innings of the 2021 final. He took 4 wickets for 48 runs, bowling for 19 overs, and delivered what Jamieson did in the first innings for them.

Southee dismissed Shami and Bumrah to wrap up the match quickly with his effective bowling.

South Africa has long been renowned for some of the most fearsome fast bowlers in Test cricket history. ln this lineage of greats, Kagiso Rabada has now made his mark by surpassing Allan Donald in terms of most test wickets for South Africa during the intense WTC 2025 Final.

Get ready to uncover the legendary names and legacies of world-class pacers of Proteas.

5. Allan Donald (330 wickets)

Allan Donald was one of the most feared fast bowlers of his era, known for his blinding speed and approach. He holds the 5th place with 330 wickets at an average of 22.25 for South Africa.

Donald earned the nickname "The White Lightning" because of his rapid speed and intense stare downs. His fiery spells often hit batsmen on the helmet and shook their confidence.

Donald stats in tests for SA:

Read Also: Most Wickets in ICC Tournament Finals

4. Kagiso Rabada (334 wickets)

South Africa's modern-day pacer, Kagiso Rabada, recently surpassed Donald with his five-wicket haul in the Day 1 of WTC 2025 final against Australia. He leaped to the fourth place with a total of 334 wickets in tests so far, and there's more to come.

Rabada is a key bowler who carries the bowling unit with his abilities of restricting strong batting lineups and imposing threat to the opponent. He holds the potential to climb more up in the coming years.

Rabada stats in tests for SA:

Read Also: Highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25

3. Makhaya Ntini (390 wickets)

Makhaya Ntini was a genuine speedster who bowled with attacking energy and an unique action. His on-field enthusiasm at all times was something that made him a crowd favourite.

Makhaya took 390 wickets in tests for South Africa, holding his place tight in the 3rd place for over a decade. He also made history by becoming the first black South African to take 10 wickets in a test match at Lord's in 2003.

Ntini stats in tests for SA:

2. Shaun Pollock (421 wickets)

Shaun Pollock was an excellent all-rounder who had an amazing bowling record in tests for the Proteas. While not as quick as Donald or Steyn, his consistent length and accuracy always did the job brilliantly.

Pollock served as a wicket-taking source and helped to keep the pressure on. He took 421 wickets with an economy less than 3 and has the second-most test wickets for South Africa.

He also has the most maidens among every bowler in the list.

Pollock stats in tests for SA:

1. Dale Steyn (439 wickets)

One of the greatest fast bowlers of all-time, Dale Steyn, has the most test wickets for South Africa. He was known to be a fearsome outswinger, who could swing the ball late at high speed.

He was famously known as "Steyn Gun" for his destructive bowling that made him nearly unplayable at times. He took 439 wickets in just 93 matches, which is believed to remain unmatched for many years to come.

Read Also: Fastest to complete 200 Test wickets by balls bowled

Steyn stats in tests for SA:

In the Indian Premier League, there is not only a rain of runs but also a flurry of wickets. In the world's most popular league, while the batsmen have scored mountains of runs, the bowlers have also taken heaps of wickets. 

In Match 42 of IPL 2025, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru claimed their first home win, defeating the Rajasthan Royals by 11 runs. Josh Hazlewood starred with 4/33 in four overs. With this, he also reached 50 IPL wickets in just 36 matches, the joint-fourth 50 IPL wickets among pacers.

Also Read: IPL Facts: Most Fifty Plus Scores in T20s

In this article, we will be discussing about the fastest 50 IPL wickets among pacers.

Fastest 50 IPL Wickets Among Pacers

5. Mitchell McClenaghan | 36

Mitchell McClenaghan, the former Kiwi bowler is the joint-fourth fastest pacer to 50 IPL wickets, having taken just 36 matches. He achieved the feat during the 2016 season while playing for MI against the Delhi Capitals, returning with figures of 2/37.

Overall, he claimed 71 wickets in 56 matches at an average of 25.39, including a four-wicket haul with best figures of 4/21.

4. Josh Hazlewood | 36*

As mentioned, the RCB pacer is now the joint-fourth fastest to 50 IPL wickets, reaching the mark in just 36 matches. His milestone wicket came against RR, when he dismissed Shimron Hetmyer for 11, his third wicket of the match.

With this performance, Hazlewood now has 16 wickets in nine matches this season and 51 wickets overall in his 36-match IPL career.

3. Khaleel Ahmed | 35

Khaleel Ahmed ranks third on this list, reaching 50 IPL wickets in 35 matches. He achieved the milestone in 2023, dismissing Nicholas Pooran while playing for Dehli Capitals against Lucknow Super Giants.

Notably, he is the fastest Indian bowler to do so, having broken Amit Mishra's 37-match record. Playing for CSK this season, Ahmed has raced to 85 wickets in 65 matches.

2. Lasith Malinga | 33

Former Sri Lankan veteran bowler Lasith Malinga is in third place in terms of taking fastest 50 IPL Wickets among pacers, having bagged 50 IPL wickets in 33 matches. Malinga achieved the feat with a stunning 5/13 against Delhi Capitals in the fourth match of IPL 2011.

A one-franchise man, Malinga played his entire IPL career with Mumbai Indians, finishing with 170 wickets in 122 matches at an average of 19.79, including six four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul.

Also Read: Most Dot Balls Bowled in IPL History: No one is catching Bhuvi

1. Kagiso Rabada | 27

Kagiso Rabada is the fastest pacer to reach 50 IPL wickets, doing so in just 27 matches, surpassing Lasith Malinga's longstanding record of 33 matches. He achieved this milestone in 2019 against Chennai Super Kings, dismissing Faf du Plessis in the 15th over while playing for Delhi Capitals.

Debuting in 2017, Rabada now owns 119 wickets in 82 IPL matches, including six four-wicket hauls.

A year full of cricketing drama and engaging encounters has almost come to an end. 2024 turned out to be a fascinating year for the enjoyers of cricket's longest format. From veteran cricketers to breakout stars, this year gifted us some enriching performances to be recalled for a long.

Along with some supreme performers with the bat, we have also witnessed countless magnificent performances with the red ball across the year.  

In this special article, Sportz Point aims to cultivate those cricketers who have bagged the most Test wickets in 2024. 

1. Jasprit Bumrah | 71 wickets 

Jasprit Bumrah ensured his dominance in the bowling charts across every format of the game this year. The Indian pacer tops the list with a career-best annual tally of 71 wickets in just 13 Tests in 2024. 

Bumrah’s 71 wickets is now the fifth most by an Indian bowler in a calendar year, a list led by Kapil Dev, who picked 75 wickets in 18 matches in 1983.

The 31-year-old bowler recorded his best spell of the year in the second Test against England in Visakhapatnam as he picked up 6 wickets for just 45 runs in 15.5 overs. 

2. Gus Atkinson | 52 wickets

Gus Atkinson emerged as one of the fiercest faces of the English bowling attack in Tests. The 26-year-old all-rounder collected 52 wickets in only 11 Tests across the year.

Surprisingly, Atkinson made his Test debut with England only in July but made the start memorable in the best possible way. Atkinson bagged a seven-wicket haul in his first outing for England in the first Test against West Indies at Lords.

Atkinson also became the first pacer since 1996 to pick up ten wickets on a Test debut. 

3. Shoaib Bashir | 49 wickets 

The 21-year-old spinner is another surprising breakout star in Tests this year. Making his debut against India in February, Shoaib Bashir bagged an impressive 49 wickets in 15 Tests throughout the year.

Bashir broke a unique record set by the likes of James Anderson and Bill Voce, becoming the first English bowler to grab two fifers in a Test at the age of 21 during the fifth and final Test against India in March.

The off-spinner recorded his career-best figure in Tests after picking up 5 wickets for 41 runs in the second Test against West Indies at Trent Bridge. 

4. Matt Henry | 48 wickets 

Matt Henry breaks into the list with 48 wickets in only 9 Tests across the year to establish himself as the most dependable bowler for New Zealand in red-ball cricket.

The Kiwi veteran clinched an unbelievable fifer in the first Test against India with a 5-15 figure, maintaining an economy rate of only 1.10!

The 33-year-old pacer also picked up 7 wickets during the second Test against Australia at Christchurch, making the record of the best bowling figures (23-4-67-7) by a Kiwi speedster at home.

5. Ravindra Jadeja | 48 wickets 

Ravindra Jadeja may have had a shaky year with the Indian team struggling in Tests, but the veteran bagged 48 wickets in 12 matches across the year. 

The 36-year-old spinning all-rounder completed the 300-wicket mark in Tests during the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur. He became the seventh Indian cricketer to claim 300 wickets in Test cricket, as well as the fourth-fastest (73 matches) to reach 300 wickets, following R. Ashwin (54 matches), Anil Kumble (66), and Harbhajan Singh (72).

Jadeja also became the fifth-highest wicket-taker for India in Tests with 312 wickets during the third Test against New Zealand in November, surpassing greats such as Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma.

6. Prabath Jayasuriya | 48 wickets 

Prabath Jayasuriya has etched his name as one of the most surprising bowlers this year. The Sri Lankan cricketer accumulated 48 wickets in 9 matches throughout the year,

Marking his Test debut in 2022, the 33-year-old spinner achieved the 100-wicket mark in just 17 matches to become the second-quickest player to take 100 Test wickets, a list led by England's George Lohmann who did so in 16 matches in 1886.

Prabath Jayasuriya also became the 10th left-arm spinner in the world to take 10 or more five-wicket hauls in Test cricket after picking 5 for 129 during Sri Lanka's second Test against South Africa in December. 

7. Ravichandran Ashwin | 47 wickets 

Ravichandran Ashwin finished the year with 47 wickets in 11 matches before announcing his retirement from international cricket in December during India's tour of Australia.

The veteran Indian spinner recorded his best bowling figure this year during the first Test against Bangladesh in September. Ashwin grabbed six wickets for 88 wickets in the second innings.

The 38-year-old called time on his international career but left the ring on a high, being India's second-highest wicket-taker in test cricket.

8. Pat Cummins | 37 wickets 

The Australian captain picked up 37 wickets in 9 matches this year, helping Australia to edge closer to the World Test Championship Final.

However, Pat Cummins equalled Ravi Ahswin's record for most wickets (195) in the World Test Championship during the Boxing Day Test victory against India. The 31-year-old Australian pacer has achieved the mark in 86 innings as Ashwin leads the list with fewer games. (78). 

Cummins recorded his best bowling figure in Tests for 2024, during the second Test against India, completing a five-wicket-haul for 57 runs in 14 overs.

Jasprit Bumrah completed his 200 wickets in Test cricket during Australia's second innings in the Melbourne Test. Bumrah completed 200 wickets after taking Travis Head's wicket in his 44th Test. Bumrah, who made his Test debut against South Africa In 2018, completed his 200 wickets in 8484 balls, surpassing the likes of cricket greats such as Malcolm Marshall, Joel Garner, and Curtly Ambrose.

Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah becomes first-ever player to pick 200 Test wickets with an average below 20

In this article, we will look at the bowlers who took 200 Test wickets in the fewest balls. 

Fastest to complete 200 Test wickets

1# Waqar Younis | 7725 Balls

Former Pakistan fast bowler Waqar Younis is the bowler to take 200 Test wickets on the fewest balls. This record still stands till date. Waqar made his Test debut in 1989 with Sachin Tendulkar. The landmark came in 1995, as Pakistan beat New Zealand in Christchurch.

Tail-ender Dion Nash was Younis’ only wicket in the match, but he only needed the one for the momentous milestone. Of course, true to form, Younis didn’t need a fielder involved in the dismissal, as he simply bowled Nash with that express pace of his.

2# Dale Steyn | 7848 Balls

Dale Steyn is counted among the best bowlers in Test history. He was at number one in the ranking for many years. Steyn had completed 200 wickets in Test on 7848 balls. With that incredible achievement, he is only the second-fastest bowler to secure 200 Test wickets in terms of the balls bowled.

In 2019, Steyn announced his retirement.

3# Kagiso Rabada | 8154 Balls

Among active bowlers, Kagiso Rabada of South Africa holds the record of taking 200 Test wickets in the fewest balls. Rabada's home situation helps the fast bowlers a lot. This is why his name being in this list is not surprising.

Making his Test debut in 2015, Rabada completed his 200 Test wickets in just 8154 balls. After dismissing Hasan Ali in a Test match against Pakistan back in 2021, Rabada achieved the feat.

4# Jasprit Bumrah | 8484 Balls

In the modern-day cricket, Jasprit Bumrah is a legend. With accuracy and incredible bowling technique, Team India’s crisis man never fails to rescue the team in tough times.

In the ongoing Test match against Australia, Bumrah turned out to be a savior in the second innings, picking up 4 wickets in just 30 runs. After dismissing Travis Head in the 34th over, Bumrah secured his 200 Test scalps in 8484 deliveries. In his 44th Test match, he secured the milestone. With that performance, he is standing in the fourth Position on the list.

5# Malcolm Marshall | 9234 Balls

When it comes to the most feared bowler in the history of cricket, the first person who comes to mind is Malcolm Marshall. In the 80s, there used to be awe of his name among the batsmen. At that time, batsmen used to take less risks but even after this, Marshall had completed 200 wickets in 9234 balls.